1963 Ford Lotus Cortina
A Ford Lotus Cortina built to full FIA specification by Guy Smith Motorsport in 2009–2010, originally prepared for competition using a sound, uncrashed bodyshell. The car has raced extensively in historic touring car events including U2TC, HSCC, BRSCC, Masters, and Goodwood Members' Meeting rounds. It passed through the hands of two prominent historic motorsport figures before its current ownership. Power comes from a Neil Brown Engineering race engine fitted in 2013, and the car retains its original logbook alongside a comprehensive documentation file.
Ownership
- 2025-08-22Auction saleEstimate £35,000 – £45,000
- 2009 →Acquisition unknownNeil Daviespartial documentation
The car was originally built to FIA specification by Guy Smith Motorsport on Davies's behalf, intended for Goodwood-eligible historic touring car competition.
- → 2014Acquisition unknownNick Whalepartial documentation
Whale, founder of Silverstone Auctions and Iconic Auctioneers, raced the Cortina as a consistent front-running competitor before selling it to acquire a period Group A BMW M3.
- 2014 →AuctionCurrent vendorfull documentation
Purchased at a Silverstone Auctions sale; the car has seen limited track use during this ownership but has been routinely maintained and properly stored, with improvement work carried out by Alan Henderson Racing.
Competition
- —U2TCU2TCDriver: Neil Davies
Among multiple documented event entries during the Davies and subsequent ownership periods; Richard Dutton and Neil Brown served as co-drivers on various occasions.
- —HSCCHSCC Historic Touring CarDriver: Neil Davies
Documented entries during the car's active competitive phase under early ownership.
- —BRSCCBRSCC Historic Touring CarDriver: Neil Davies
Documented entries forming part of the car's established competition history.
- —72nd Members' MeetingDriver: Neil Davies
Participated at the Goodwood 72nd Members' Meeting as part of its documented historic racing programme.
- —Masters Historic RacingMasters Historic Touring CarDriver: Neil Davies
Documented Masters series entries contribute to the car's competition provenance.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2009RestorationGuy Smith Motorsport
Complete build to full FIA specification from a clean, undamaged shell, undertaken by Guy Smith Motorsport with Goodwood eligibility and durability as primary objectives.
MSA Historic Technical Passport issued 30 April 2009.
- 2013Engine rebuildNeil Brown Engineering
Full race engine supplied and reportedly hand-assembled by Neil Brown Engineering, fitted along with updated components including front damper legs, exhaust manifold, MSD ignition system, flywheel, clutch assembly, and springs.
Supporting invoices held in the car's history file; a 4.4 differential is currently installed.
- —MechanicalAlan Henderson Racing
Assessment and improvement works carried out by a specialist, encompassing upgraded suspension components and half-shafts.
Invoices on file; work performed during current ownership, which has otherwise involved only light use and correct storage.
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